Sharjah Cultural and Heritage Project at the forefront of SIEL

SIEL is holding its twenty-ninth edition from 09 to 19 May this year, in Souissi Space in Agdal, Morocco.

SIH supplies the shelves of its participating pavilion with more than 800 books specialised in cultural heritage, including a series of encyclopedias, periodicals, magazines and different publications. It also registers its active presence by participating in the cultural sessions accompanying the fair, which address a number of cultural and heritage topics.

In this context, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, President of SIH, confirmed that the Sharjah Cultural and Heritage Project is a prominent icon and an inspiring model in serving Arab culture and heritage, and rooting their connection to their heritage and established values. SIH cultural vision was formed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the Institute has taken it as a road map in its journey aimed at preserving heritage, preserving identity, and enriching the wealth of knowledge at the level of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Al Musallam added that the institute embodies Sharjah's vision of preserving heritage and identity. He pointed out that the SIH seeks, through its local, Arab and international presence in major cultural exhibitions and fora, to shed light on its efforts in the publishing sector and its achievements in the academic and professional aspect related to cultural heritage, pointing to the abundant collection of the Institute’s productions related to Moroccan cultural heritage, including new publications that will be launched during the fair.

In addition, the Institute’s agenda includes participating in several scientific seminars inside and outside the fair; and holding a series of meetings and gatherings with Moroccan heritage bodies and institutions, to discuss the development of cultural cooperation and partnership, and to benefit from Sharjah’s pioneering experience and its abundant wealth in culture and heritage.

In this context, and within SIH participation in the sessions of the intellectual programme accompanying the fair, the National Library in Rabat hosted a session entitled (Cultural Heritage between the Challenges of Formation and the Challenges of Valuation). Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam shed light on Sharjah’s experience in the field of protecting cultural heritage.

In an open meeting with students of the National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage, Al Musallam spoke about (Sharjah Heritage Institute... a decade of heritage preservation), in which he discussed with students many questions and inquiries related to the topic of the meeting.

In a special introductory session, moderated by Dr. Mini Bounama, Director of Content and Publishing Management at the Institute, under the title (Cultural Institutions’ Role in Protecting and Preserving Heritage), His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam briefly reviewed SIH efforts in protecting and preserving cultural heritage, through implementing programmes, events and initiatives since 2003, including the opening of a regional office for the Institute in Rabat, and hosting the Centre for International Organisations for Cultural Heritage affiliated with the Institute in Sharjah, the “National Antiquities and Heritage” office, in addition to issuing a rich series of works that explore the depths of Moroccan heritage and history.

Dr. Mini Bounama moderated another session on (the role of Sharjah Institute for Heritage in disseminating Moroccan heritage), with the participation of a number of researchers and specialised experts. 

SIH pavilion participating in the fair saw a session, in which Aisha Al Hussan, director of the Arab Heritage Centre at the institute, spoke about (the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage... Cultural Heritage and Human Communication), moderated by Dr. Mini Bounama.